The Israel military says air and ground troops “are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip”.
However, the IDF later clarified this statement, saying that ground operations against Palestinian militants had started but that they had not entered Gaza.
More than 16,000 reservist military personnel were called up earlier and additional ground troops were deployed to the border.
Israeli forces have not entered Gaza following a barrage of artillery and air strikes in the north of Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
Have Israeli troops actually entered the Gaza strip?
Al Jazeera and other news outlets with reporters on ground are questioning whether Israel’s military has actually entered Gaza.
Internal miscommunication early on Friday morning led to Israeli Defense Forces announcing that its air and ground troops were “attacking in the Gaza Strip.”
However, that was clarified later by the IDF that ground operations against Palestinian militants had started but that they had not entered Gaza.
On Friday local time, Israeli Defense Forces announced that its air and ground troops are “attacking in the Gaza Strip.”
Palestinians marked the first day of the Eid al-Fitr religious holiday under heated bombardment.
Gaza’s health ministry saying that 109 people, including 28 children, have been killed since the Israeli offensive began late on Monday.
IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip.
Militants in Gaza have fired more than one thousand rockets into Israel, with airlines either suspending or diverting flights over fears of planes being shot down.
At least 580 others were injured. Israel has stationed more troops and tanks near Gaza and has approved mobilizing 9,000 more reservist troops, according to AJ+
WATCH as a Hamas rocket aimed at Israel misfires and falls back into Gaza.
But this isn't the 1st time—Hamas misfired 350 rockets in the last 3 days.
These rockets result in the deaths of innocent Gazan civilians.
As the situation worsens in Gaza, tensions are also spreading throughout several Israeli cities, with Arab and Jewish citizens clashing and rioting on the streets.
“I say explicitly: we will continue to defend and continue to attack until the fire is stopped and we will ensure long-term silence,”
Israel’s Defense Minister says.
Why now?
It comes as Palestinians plead with the United Nations to live up to its responsibility and maintain international peace and security.
Hamas controls Gaza, while Fatah controls the West Bank.
Then there’s the Abraham accords signed in the final months of President Trump’s administration, where relations were normalised between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain.
The situation in Gaza is at breaking point, following the UN yesterday making a stark warning that the violence may turn into a “full-scale war”.
The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the situation
The UN has warned that the violence in Gaza could escalate into a “full-scale war” after Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on Gaza and Palestinian militants fired hundreds of rockets into Israel.
The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza on Sunday. The U.S. will continue to actively engage in diplomacy at the highest levels to try to de-escalate tensions.
— Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@USAmbUN) May 13, 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and says “Israel has a right to defend itself” amid a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza, according to AFP.
“Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.”
u.s president biden
The United States dispatched a senior diplomat on Wednesday to urge Israelis and Palestinians to calm the worst flare-up in violence between them in years, says Reuters.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about the matter.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Meanwhile in Australia, Foreign Minister Marise Payne has followed the U.S lead in calling for an end to escalating violence between Israel and Gaza.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
Biden warns Trump team on climate denial, pushes for Gaza ceasefire with hostages’ release and humanitarian assistance.
Joe Biden has delivered his last policy speech, addressing critical issues facing the future.
In his remarks, he directly challenged officials in the incoming Trump administration who doubt the reality of climate change.
Biden stated, “They are dead wrong. It’s the single greatest existential threat to humanity.”
He said that the transition to clean energy is already underway and highlighted the competition with China for dominance in clean energy manufacturing and supply chains.
Biden asserted that the United States must succeed in this contest to shape the global economy for decades.
Biden announced he is actively pursuing a ceasefire deal in Gaza during his final days in office.
He stated that the proposed deal aims to release hostages held by Hamas and halt the ongoing fighting.
Biden indicated that this agreement would also enhance security for Israel while significantly increasing humanitarian assistance to the region.
He expressed understanding for the suffering of the Palestinian people, stating they have experienced immense hardship due to the conflict initiated by Hamas.
He stressed the urgency of closing the deal to reunite families with their loved ones taken as hostages.
Biden’s focus on these pressing matters reflects his commitment to addressing significant global challenges even as his presidency comes to a close.
US officials optimistic about Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostages deal as Hamas confirms close to agreement amid ongoing negotiations.
American officials are optimistic about a possible ceasefire and hostages release deal in the Israel-Hamas war.
This optimism is the first significant sign seen in the Biden administration in months.
While caution is still being exercised until a final agreement is reached, US officials believe an announcement could be made before President Biden leaves office.
US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer indicated that substantial progress has been made in negotiations.
Finer noted that there is a deal that Hamas should accept but refrained from making predictions about the outcome.
A Hamas official stated that the group is close to reaching an agreement with Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed some progress in the ongoing negotiations in Doha.
Saar stated that Israel is focused on securing a hostage deal and is collaborating with the United States to achieve this goal.
He mentioned that it will soon become clear if Hamas shares the same intention.
However, several issues remain unresolved, according to the Hamas official.
Dangerously high winds are expected to return to Los Angeles on Monday, hampering containment efforts of two significant wildfires.
These fires have resulted in at least 24 deaths and devastated land equivalent to Washington, D.C.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, forecasting Santa Ana winds of 50 to 70 miles per hour from Monday through Wednesday.
Fire crews managed to halt the fires’ spread overnight but are anticipating worsening conditions with the forecasted winds.
Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has described the situation as serious.
Officials are positioning firefighting resources in high-risk areas, particularly around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the largest currently burning.
More than 8,500 fire personnel are working to combat these wildfires.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted that fire crews are better prepared this week, having learned from last week’s rapid fire growth under similar conditions.
However, he cautioned that containment remains uncertain.
The current death toll stands at 24, with over 12,000 structures reported as damaged or destroyed.
Search efforts for missing individuals continue, with deputies discovering human remains in areas affected by the Eaton fire.
